Brief: Academy closes for flu

An outbreak of influenza has temporarily shut down Holy Cross Catholic Academy, said Bernice Noggler, superintendent of Amarillo Catholic Schools.

The school at 4110 S. Bonham St. closed Tuesday and is expected to reopen Monday, she said.

Seven teachers, or about a third of the faculty, had been out with flu symptoms and more were expected to call in today, Noggler said. Some students were also out and others were coming to school sick, she said.

The temporary shutdown will give the 118 students and staff a chance to recover, the superintendent said. The academy includes grades six through 12.

Mary Payton, a school parent and volunteer, said parents received notices Tuesday about the school being closed.